Optimum Opti Shad

The Optimum Opti Shad is a collaboration between Optimum Baits and Lucky Craft, combining the best attributes of the Lucky Craft Lipless Wander and the Optimum Double Diamond. Interweaving the action and esthetics of a proven hard bait with the performance and versatility of a proven soft bait has produced a lure that encompasses virtually every aspect of a real baitfish. While the unbridled action and intense vibration of the Optimum Double Diamond is often required, there are frequently just as many situations where a more natural and subtle presentation is also extremely beneficial. The lipless Wander was intentionally chosen because of its amazing horizontal fluttering action and unique rolling action, which in turn produces dramatic intermittent side flashes.

What also separates the innovative Opti Shad from other soft swim baits is a minor expansion located in the middle of the lure. Unlike traditional shad tail style artificials the deepest part of the Opti Shad body is also the widest part of its body. This key formula ensures superior hydrodynamic performance in a multitude of applications as well as fluctuating retrieval speeds. As water flows past the lures sides the slight center bulge encourages an attractive body roll and at the same time water is directed down the tapered back to the tail causing a rhythmic kicking motion even when retrieved extra slowly. United, these naturalized actions perfectly capture the frantic and irregular behavior of a baitfish in distress.

Part of the Mad Scientist series or baits, the Optimum Opti Shad is offered in 2 or 4-inch sizes and the deeper profile of both versions is ideal for duplicating wide bodied forage such as all species of pan fish and bass fry as well as herring, shad, shiners, alewife, and ciscos in fresh water or fluke, butterfish, spot, pin fish, peanut bunker, white perch, croakers and baby bluefish in salt water.

Customer Reviews

Comments: The 2" is lethal in tough conditions. This swimbait is killer on big smallmouth. Awesome bait and colors!

From: Mike: Pulaski,NY

Comments: I've been using both the 2" and 4" versions of this bait several different presentations: as a trailer on my swim jigs, buzz baits, and on darter heads as a single bait with great results. I also recently have been using them on Shakey-head stroking them off the bottom and letting them flutter back with good hits on the fall.

From: David: Hiram, Georgia USA

Comments: The Opti Shad has very effective for me this winter using it on an A-rig

From: Thomas: Lees Summit

Comments: Crazy good swimbait here....the 2" swimbait has action like no other 2" swimbait on the market...using a 1/8oz Darter head and fish cant resist it!! Ghost Rider color was superb. Recommend these swimbaits in both the 4" and the 2" style!! You can reel as slow or as fast as you want and the action is still fantastic!!

From: Live2Fish365: NM

Comments: I have fished the 2" Shad in Ghost Rider color the last couple weeks and I have to admit they are the best 2" swimbait on the market....crazy action and fish can't stand it!!! Highly recommend this bait...using it with at 1/4 oz jig head and its deadly!!! Crazy good bait!!

From: Live2Fish365

Comments: Had the opportunity to dropshot the 2" version on weed lines 15-25 ft deep a couple of weeks ago with these pups - this bait causes an absolute panic underwater when you put it on schooling fish. As soon as my tungsten got to the bottom, first lift I had a fish - the only downside is that it catches all varieties and get's completely bothered by bluegill, pickerel, bass, etc. This is a perfect limit out bait, take your kids out for the day bait, take your wife out bait? And a killer smallmouth bait... The colors are phenomenal, there is no delineation between web colors and when you receive in mail. We used "Golden Shiner, Sunfish, and Pearl White." The particular lake we were on had tons of golden shiner - match your native baitfish and hold on kids.

From: Bud: Swan Lake, NY

Comments: great bait swims great on a jig head are works great on your A-Rig since the first time i use them i loved them i got my pb on clearlake with it and also got a 14 lb catfish on it also on clearlake